Osakidetza has launched 12 txertogunes in Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa, from October 19 to November 1, to facilitate vaccination against the flu and COVID-19 without the need to book an appointment. During these two weeks, any person, from six months of age, can go directly to the designated points in the three territories, including children, without needing to make an appointment.
The txertogunes complement the usual vaccination with appointments at health centers, offering specific spaces and extended hours, from Monday to Sunday, so that each person can choose the option that best suits their needs. Additionally, Osakidetza has reinforced its teams by hiring 225 nursing professionals and 85 administrative staff.
Thus, from this Monday, the txertogunes will allow families to bring their children, from six months of age, without needing an appointment. This complements the childhood flu vaccination, which began on September 28 in health centers.
In addition to flu vaccination, the txertogunes will also offer COVID-19 vaccination to people aged 70 and over, and those aged 65 and over who request it. Both vaccines can be administered in a single visit.
The txertogunes will be available from October 19 to November 1. In Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa, the points offering the service are: San Martín Health Center (Araba), Sáenz de Buruaga Health Center (Bilbao-Basurto), Gros Outpatient Clinic (Donostialdea), San Eloy Hospital (Barakaldo-Sestao), Repélega Outpatient Clinic (Ezkerraldea-Enkarterri-Cruces), Amorebieta Health Center (Barrualde-Galdakao), Mungia Health Center (Uribe), Irun Centro Outpatient Clinic (Bidasoa), Torrekua Health Center (Debabarrena), Arrasate Health Center (Debagoiena), Tolosa Health Center (Tolosaldea), and the PAC in Beasain (Goierri-Alto Urola). Furthermore, in OSI Errioxa, vaccination schedules in usual centers will be reinforced.
The Department of Health and Osakidetza remind that vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent complications, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with the flu, and particularly recommend it to people aged 60 and over, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and children between six months and five years old, among other groups. Getting vaccinated contributes to protecting one's own health and that of vulnerable people in the community.
Additionally, Osakidetza has registered over 266,000 appointments for flu vaccination, with more than 20,700 for children. For COVID-19, 129,407 doses have been administered. The Department of Health and Osakidetza thank the professionals for their involvement and encourage other health and social health professionals to get vaccinated.
In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccination, Osakidetza recommends maintaining habits such as frequent hand washing, ventilating enclosed spaces, not going to work or educational centers if symptomatic, and wearing a mask when necessary to protect the most vulnerable individuals.
